Clicking brakes?

Tiny
DM27
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,900 MILES
I drive a 99 Cavalier with a 2.2L engine and lately I've been hearing a clicking noise towards the front of the car when I brake on dry surfaces at about 25 MPH. It does this on slick surfaces and I figure that's the ABS system kicking in but it shouldn't click on dry surfaces. Any ideas?
Saturday, March 21st, 2009 AT 10:46 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Pull the tires and inspect the brakes. If clicking is heard when turning, it may be CV-Joint and not brakes!
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Saturday, March 21st, 2009 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
DM27
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I'm almost positive it's not the CV joint because it happens when I brake straight on. It only occurs when I brake and slow down to about 25 mph. Any faster or slower and there is no clicking. The other night when it started clicking my headlights went dim so could it be something electrical? Any other suggestions?
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Saturday, March 21st, 2009 AT 5:01 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
You can try removing the ABS fuse, go for a ride and see if the noise goes away. This will narrow down the search, Is the ABS light lit or flashing?
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Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
DM27
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No the light doesn't come on at all that's what's strange. Could it be a sensor or something, because it the clicking noise starts at a certain mph. I guess I could take out the fuse and see if that helps. I'll keep you posted.
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Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
DM27
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I took out the fuse and presto the clicking is gone. Now the ABS light is on which I expected so hopefully that narrows down the problem. I was trying to look up how these systems work and was wondering if those wheel speed sensors ever get dirty or anything. Could that be a problem? Anyways thanks for keeping up to date on my problem and I hope this brings us closer to finding a solution.
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Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 AT 11:33 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
If the ABS light does not come on with the key in the on possition and go out after you start it, have the system scanned for "C" codes. If it was a wheel speed sensor, the light should be on all the time, but strange things can happen. Are your sensors built into the hub? Or are they seperate? They can be checked with volt/ohm meter. DTC C1222: RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL EQUALS ZERO & DTC C1226: RIGHT FRONT EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR VARIATION 1. Perform diagnostic system check. See DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK. After performing diagnostic system check, go to next step. 2. Turn ignition off. Check right front wheel speed sensor and wiring harness connector for damage. If sensor and connector are damaged, go to step 16). If sensor and connector are okay, go to next step. 3. Check right front wheel speed sensor jumper harness and jumper connectors for damage. If harness and connectors are damaged, go to step 15). If harness and connectors are okay, go to next step. 4. Disconnect right front wheel speed sensor directly at sensor connector. Using DVOM, measure resistance between terminals of right front wheel speed sensor connector. On "W" body, resistance should be 1020-1137 ohms at 68 °F (20 °C). On "J" body, Achieva, 1998 Grand Am and Skylark, resistance should be 1530-1870 ohms at 68 °F (20 °C). On Alero, Cutlass, 1999 Grand Am and Malibu, resistance should be 950-1250 ohms at 68 °F (20 °C). On all models, if resistance is as specified, go to next step. If resistance is not as specified, go to step 16). 5. Using DVOM, select AC voltage scale. Using DVOM, observe voltage while spinning right front wheel by hand. If voltage is greater than or equal to 100 millivolts (mV), go to next step. If voltage is less than 100 millivolts (mV), go to step 16). 6. Disconnect EBCM/EBTCM connector. See EBCM/EBTCM LOCATION under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Using DVOM, measure resistance between speed sensor signal high circuit and speed sensor signal low circuit of EBCM/EBTCM connector. If resistance is infinite, go to next step. If resistance is not infinite, go to step 8). 7. Check EBCM/EBTCM connector for poor terminal contact, corrosion or damage which could result in short between connector terminals. If connector is faulty, go to step 12). If connector is okay, go to next step. 8. Check wiring circuits between wheel speed sensor and EBCM/EBTCM for damage which could result in short between circuits. If wiring is faulty, go to step 13). If wiring is okay, go to next step. 9. Check wiring connectors between wheel speed sensor and EBCM/EBTCM for damage which could result in short between circuits. If connectors are faulty, go to step 14). If connectors are okay, go to next step. 10. Reconnect EBCM/EBTCM connector. Reconnect right front wheel speed sensor connector. Install scan tool. Test drive vehicle faster than 15 MPH for at least 30 seconds. Using scan tool, display DTCs. If DTC C1222 or C1226 sets as current, go to next step. If DTC C1222 or C1226 does not set as current, go to step 18). 11. Using scan tool, select DATA LIST. Monitor wheel speed sensor speeds. Slowly accelerate to 40 MPH, and then slowly decelerate to zero MPH. If right front wheel speed sensor speed is constantly higher than other 3 remaining wheel speed sensor speeds, go to step 16). If right front wheel speed sensor speed is not constantly higher than other 3 remaining wheel speed sensor speeds, go to step 17). 12. Replace all faulty terminals or connectors. 13. Replace damaged wiring harness causing short between circuits. 14. Repair damaged wiring harness connectors causing short between circuits. 15. Replace right front wheel speed sensor jumper harness.16. Replace right front wheel speed sensor. 17. Replace EBCM/EBTCM. See ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE/ ELECTRONIC BRAKE & TRACTION CONTROL MODULE (EBCM/EBTCM) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. 18. Malfunction is not currently present. An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed through wire insulation, or a broken wire inside insulation. Frequency of malfunction can be determined by using enhanced diagnostic function of scan tool. If ABS warning indicator only illuminates during moist environmental conditions (i.E. Rain, snow, car washes), wheel speed sensor circuitry should be checked for signs of water intrusion. Spray suspected area with a 5 percent saltwater solution (2 teaspoons of salt to 12 ounces of water). Test drive vehicle faster than 15 MPH for at least 30 seconds over various road surfaces (i.E. Bumps, turns). If DTC resets, replace suspect harness and/or sensor as necessary. Check for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, poor terminal-to-wiring connections, or damaged wiring harness. Resistance of wheel speed sensor will increase with increased sensor temperature.
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Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 AT 7:57 AM

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